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Week 6 Rookie Report

Feb. 27, 2013

The fantasy hockey rookie landscape is beginning to solidify. While there are still some movers and shakers out there, we can actually start to discuss possible Calder Trophy candidates. This week we unveil our updated NHL Rookie Rankings for Feb. 27, 2013.

Now, let’s turn our attention to some of the highlights from the update.

HOT ↑ Alex Galchenyuk (MTL – C) With 5 points in his last 7 games, Galchenyuk has leap-frogged into our top-4. Due to all the rookie talent in the NHL this year, it’s easy to forget that Galchenyuk was drafted 3rd overall last June. But, if you’ve read our draft guide you know our theory regarding rookies coming straight from the draft. Galchenyuk is a dark-horse candidate for Rookie of the Year.

INJ ↓ Vladimir Tarasenko (STL – R) Concussion… need we say more? No news of late might be good news, but Tarasenko remains out and should be put on IR until further notice. Follow our Injury News Column for updates, and find a stop gap for the time being. (Our free rankings are an excellent place to start.)

COLD ↓ Mikael Granlund (MIN – C) Granlund is a sleeping giant, but the entire Wild offense is napping and Granlund won’t wake up on his own. He was projected as a top rookie at the start of the year based largely on the talent around him, but his position in our rankings will continue to slip if Parise, Heatley and Koivu don't start scoring.

HOT ↑ Antoine Roussel (DAL – L) We noted Roussel in our Week 5 Update, and he’s continued to produce since. He has 5 points in his last 5 games, including a 2-point effort in his last outing against Columbus.

INJ ↑ Sven Baertschi (CGY – L) Baertschi may still have zero points on the season in 7 GP, but at least he’s back from a hip injury. He could easily get it going, so be on alert.

COLD ↓ Simon Despres (PIT – D) Despres had a great start to the year, but was scratched in a number of the Penguins’ recent games, as the team went with a tougher line-up. The fact that he plays defense, and that he’s no longer a sure starter, is the cause for his drop.

↑ Joakim Andersson (DET – C) We’ve written a lot about Andersson’s exploits over the past week; he’s put up 3 points in his last 2 games, including 2 garbage-time goals in the Red Wings big 8-3 win over Vancouver. He’s playing due to injuries, and with Filppula now out with a shoulder injury, Andersson should get to stay with the big club for some time yet. Definitely check the roster outlook on Andersson before activating him.

↑ Tyson Barrie (COL – D) Barrie has only played in 11 games, but since joining Colorado in relief he’s got 4 points – 2 in his last 5 games. If you’re absolutely hurting, Barrie represents a lower-tier option.

Jaden Schwartz (STL – C) Schwartz has been a disappointment this season due to his role as a Blues bottom-feeder, but with Tarasenko out he suddenly represents the team’s best rookie. Like Baertschi, he is worth tracking.

Finally, the Ducks recalled Emerson Etem this week, which simply clouds the rookie picture in Anaheim. Etem is battling fellow rookies Peter Holland and Patrick Maroon for playing time.